8 Big Concerns Ahead Of WWE Clash Of Champions 2017

3. Stuck In Second Gear

AJ Styles Jinder Mahal
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In terms of raw star power, tag matches don't get much grander than Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura. They're four of WWE's biggest names, and while each has experienced middling fortunes in 2017, their marketability is evergreen.

Their collision sounds like a great bout on paper, but there's no shortage of potential banana skins, and it starts with the babyface side. They're two of the best wrestlers in the company when the mood takes them, but both Orton and Nakamura have a habit of taking it easy between the ropes. 'Mailing it in' is a concept they're more than familiar with, and there's a strong chance they'll slip into second gear at the same time on Sunday, creating a drab, heatless sludgefest that puts the crowd to sleep.

Nakamura and Owens have shown little in-ring chemistry in recent meetings, and Zayn and Orton's last TV bout wasn't exactly a barnburner either. We don't want to pour too much cold water on the tag match, but lets be realistic: there's no chance we're getting a high-workrate classic on Sunday night.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.